Data distribution scheme : accessing Africover data through the web

Africover data distribution is based on the concept that user must have access to data depending on their information requirement:

- metadata:understand what data is available and analyze its information content

- web maps:explore the data spatially and thematically. Print easily the maps that you create!

- download the spatial data sets: get the full power of the data downloading the shape files to use with all the desktop GIS systems

- download the data warehouses:to easily interact with the data and link them with your information (tabular, documents, web links or images). To be used with the Dynamic Maps freeware. Data warehouses contain also the original shape files

You can also request a CD instead of downloading the data using the request form available from the metadata page relative to the data set you are interested in.

The following scheme illustrates how you can access the data from the web site:

Understanding Africover data and access procedures

The MADE is based on a methodology that allows for multiple uses and views of the GIS land cover data base.

Africover distributes a spatially aggregated version of the land cover data base and provides some thematic aggregations as well.

Thematic aggregations are also public domain data and can be accessed from the metadata of the spatially aggregated data sets.

To understand the difference between spatial and thematic aggregations visit the section dedicated to aggregations or the technical insight on Africover methodology.

If you are interested in the full resolution data base starting from the metadata you can submit a request that will be processed by the National Focal Point Institution, that acts as a repository of the full data set.

You can also apply for thematic custom aggregations of the full data set that will be addressed to the NFPI and notified to FAO Africover.

You can contact FAO Africover for requests of technical support on the use of the data.